Translation guide
Alpha Aquilae is the proper name of the star Altair, the brightest star in the constellation Aquila. In Japanese, it is primarily referred to by its traditional name 彦星 (Hikoboshi) in cultural contexts, or by its astronomical designation アルタイル (Altair).
Referring to the star Alpha Aquilae in an astronomical or scientific context.
The standard astronomical name for the star Altair, used in scientific contexts.
アルタイルはわし座のアルファ星です。
Altair is the alpha star of the constellation Aquila.
The Bayer designation 'Alpha Aquilae' translated into Japanese. Used in formal astronomical writing.
わし座アルファ星は地球から約16光年離れています。
Alpha Aquilae is about 16 light-years away from Earth.
Referring to Altair in the context of the Tanabata festival or the legend of the Weaver and the Cowherd.
The traditional Japanese name for Altair, representing the cowherd in the Tanabata legend. Commonly used in cultural and festive contexts.
七夕には、彦星と織姫が天の川を渡って会うと言われています。
On Tanabata, it is said that Hikoboshi and Orihime meet across the Milky Way.
A literary or classical Chinese-derived name for Altair, meaning 'the Herdsman Star'. Rarely used in modern Japanese outside of poetry or historical texts.
Use アルタイル in scientific or general astronomical discussions. Use 彦星 when talking about Tanabata or Japanese folklore. Using the wrong term may sound out of place.
牽牛星は彦星の別名です。
Kengyūsei is another name for Hikoboshi.